Hydro-chemical assessment of groundwater quality in Narmada River basin (Central India)

Under the present study the detailed hydro chemical characterization and human health risk assessment of ground water in Narmada basin was done. The study was performed based on data collected from 305 groundwater sample stations from Narmada basin. Hydro chemical evaluation illustrated that cationic ion in upper and middle Narmada basin was dominated by Ca2 thorn however, in lower basin it was dominated by Na thorn ion. Similarly, the anionic ion was dominated by HCO3- throughout the basin. Chadha plot drawn from the collected data inferred that maximum groundwater belonged to recharge water category (Ca-Mg-HCO3 type). Base-exchange indices of the collected data confirmed the presence of Na thorn -SO42-type of groundwater. Meteoric genesis indices indicated deep meteoric percolation type of groundwater. Further, Gibbs plot categorized groundwater samples in rock dominance section, while chloro-alkaline indices confirmed direct as well as reverse ion-exchange reactions governing groundwater quality. Water Quality Index values showed that groundwater ranged from excellent to very poor category. Human health risk of the Narmada River confirmed the non-carcinogenic risk for Nitrate (NO3-) and Fluoride (F-) ions. However, several indices justified that groundwater was ideal for irrigation. However, a treatment of groundwater is recommended before direct consumption like drinking.